D&D: World of Warcraft "Play-Along Pack"

Creating your character

Characters begin at level 5 using the 2024 D&D rules. Choose a ready-made character or send me your concept before the session so we can get you ready to play. For custom characters, use standard array or point buy, fixed-average Hit Points after level 1, and your class and background starting equipment. This table also grants 100 GP for additional nonmagical equipment. Starting magic items require my approval. Use the 2024 Basic Rules or approved 2024 Player's Handbook options. We'll use D&D Beyond for sheets. I'm happy to help you give an available character build an Azeroth identity; any changes to appearance or story leave its rules unchanged. Character options from other sources require approval before play. This session uses the released Warcraft Play-Along Pack's adventure and creatures. Its character-building options come from the available 2024 D&D rules. The full Warcraft expansion's new species, subclasses, and class specializations are not part of this listing's character menu. Make a hero willing to work with the party and help complete the rescue. Horde and Alliance backgrounds are welcome at the same cooperative table. For a same-day booking, choose an available ready-made character so we can start promptly.

Preparing for the session

Have a computer, a stable internet connection, a working microphone, and headphones. Create free accounts for Discord, Roll20, and D&D Beyond. A webcam is optional. After booking, check your StartPlaying messages for the game links and character instructions. Choose your ready-made hero or send your custom sheet before game time. Test your microphone and the Roll20 link in advance. No World of Warcraft subscription, knowledge of the show, or purchase of the upcoming Warcraft expansion is needed for this session. Ready-made characters will be available. Let me know if this is your first D&D game so I can help you get comfortable with the sheet and dice.

What James E. Darley brings to the table

I bring a focused adventure through Dire Maul, prepared battle maps and enemy tokens, ready-made level-5 characters, and help getting your character ready for play. At the table, I use cinematic descriptions, distinct NPC personalities, and clear explanations of the situation so you can make meaningful choices. Combat rewards teamwork and inventive plans. I'll make space for each player's ideas and keep the action moving toward a complete ending within the session

Homebrew rules

We use the 2024 D&D rules with the adventure-specific creatures and abilities in the World of Warcraft Dungeon Masters Play-Along Pack. Azeroth-themed descriptions of standard character abilities are cosmetic and do not change their mechanics. The additional 100 GP at character creation is a table-specific starting-equipment allowance. Other mechanical changes or character options require agreement before play. Bring creative ideas; I'll explain the ruling and stakes before you commit to an uncertain action.

How James E. Darley creates a safe table

Before we begin, we'll briefly review the adventure's themes and any boundaries you want me to know. You can share limits privately before the game. We'll use Lines and Veils to keep excluded material out of play or off-screen. During play, say "pause," type an X, or send me a private message whenever you need a scene changed or stopped. No explanation is required. You can step away whenever needed, and we'll take a short break during the session. We'll end with a brief check-in.